The concept of multiple discovery is the hypothesis that most
scientific discoveries and inventions are made independently and more
or less simultaneously by multiple scientists and inventors. The
concept of multiple discovery opposes a traditional view—the "heroic
theory" of invention and discovery.

That was perhaps for want of a better expression. I just cannot see how simultaneous invention, simultaneous discovery or multiple discovery can preclude the possible meaning of "someone inventing/ discovering several things at a time", rather than as intended.
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KrisDec 12 '11 at 11:36